High-breathability lace-type elastic webbing

ABSTRACT

A high-breathability lace-type elastic webbing consisting of a plurality of elastic webbing sections and connecting threads sewn between the elastic webbing sections. The elastic webbing sections can be of equal width or of mutually different widths. Stitch sections of the non-elastic connecting threads sewn between each pair of the elastic webbing sections are completely exposed on the surface of the elastic webbing sections, thereby adding an aesthetic appeal to the outward appearance of the elastic webbing similar to serrated edging of lace.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(a) Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a structural design of a new lace-typeelastic webbing that has high-breathability and aesthetic appeal, andmore particularly to an elastic webbing that not only has elasticstretchability, moreover, attractiveness of the elastic webbing rendersan aesthetic touch to a lace-like covering.

(b) Description of the Prior Art

So-called conventional band-type elastic webbings are fabricated usingmutual interlacing of threads, and a specified number of elastic threadsare included during the thread interlacing process to form the bandingelastic webbings, which are combined to fabricate headbands or caps. Afemale can use the elastic webbing to bind her hair when taking part inintense sports, thereby preventing the hair from becoming disorderlyfrom swaying of the head. Moreover, the elastic webbing can be stitchedto a sweatband area of a cap, thereby providing functionality to absorbsweat from the forehead of the wearer.

However, because the elastic material used in fabricating theconventional elastic webbing is rubber-based that lacks breathability,thus, breathable elastic webbings are now known, such as that disclosedin prior U.S. Pat. No. 6,625,808. The primary design element of U.S.Pat. No. 6,625,808 is in the structure of the elastic webbing band,which incorporates additional layers of elastic stitching between twoelastic webbing sections, which results in expanding the stretch area ofthe elastic webbing band when the elastic webbing band is stretched,thereby providing the elastic webbing band with relatively betterbreathability. However, because the stitching thread used in U.S. Pat.No. 6,625,808 has elasticity, thus, the threads are concealed within thematerial of the elastic webbings (narrow space between arbitrary upperand lower layers) during the stitching process, and visual effect of theelastic webbing band gives the impression of three juxtaposed strips ofelastic webbings. Furthermore, in normal situations, the elastic webbingband is transversally stretched and expanded along the length of theelastic webbing sections, which results in relatively poor breathabilitybecause the layers of elastic stitching are sewn close to perimeteredges of upper and lower elastic webbing sections,

Hence, when the aforementioned elastic is stitched to a headwear, suchas a headband or a cap, the user will feel stuffy and uncomfortableafter wearing the headwear for a period of time. Accordingly, theelastic webbing band is incapable of truly complying with exactingrequirements for breathability, and, visually, is unable to achieve afine and smooth textural effect. Moreover. This prior art elasticwebbing band has relatively poor aesthetic appeal.

Hence, motive behind the present invention is to improve on the designof such elastic webbings so that the elastic webbing still providesbreathability when stretched, and is applicable for use in headbands orhats.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A primary objective of the present invention is to provide a new elasticwebbing structure, which apart from achieving elastic stretchability,moreover, the elastic webbing retains effectiveness ofhigh-breathability, and when incorporated in a headband, cap or hat, thewearer feels more comfortable with the elastic webbing in contact withhis skin.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide the elasticwebbing with functionality to be able to present the appearance of beingcovered with a lace-type band, thereby adding a refined touch to theelastic webbing, and integrates an elegant aesthetic effect whenincorporated in headwear or clothing.

Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide the elasticwebbing with pattern variability in diversified woven designs using thesame material and high-breathability design concept.

In order to achieve the aforementioned objectives, thehigh-breathability lace-type elastic webbing of the present inventioncomprises a plurality of elastic webbing sections and connecting threadssewn between the elastic webbing sections. To enhance the aestheticeffect of the elastic webbing, a plurality of strips of elastic webbingsections having equal width are woven together to form an integral bodyor a plurality of strips of elastic webbing sections having differentwidths are woven together to form an integral body. Stitch sections ofthe non-elastic connecting threads sewn between each pair of the elasticwebbing sections are completely exposed on the surface of the elasticwebbing sections, thereby adding an aesthetic appeal to the outwardappearance of the elastic webbing similar to serrated edging of lace ora reticular pattern, which increases refinement in elastic webbingproducts.

To enable a further understanding of said objectives and thetechnological methods of the invention herein, brief description of thedrawings is provided below followed by detailed description of thepreferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a front view of an elastic webbing according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 1A shows an enlarged partial schematic view depicting the structureof FIG. 1 according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of another embodiment according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of yet another embodiment according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of an embodiment incorporated in a capaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of another embodiment incorporated in acap according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of an embodiment incorporated in a tenniscap according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of an embodiment incorporated in adifferent styled cap according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 1A, which show an elastic webbing 10 of thepresent invention fabricated from a plurality of elastic webbingsections (11, 12, 13), which enable the elastic webbing 10 to achievetransversal stretchability, and non-elastic connecting threads 20 arestitched between the elastic webbing sections (11, 12, 13). Theaforementioned elastic webbing sections (11, 12, 13) are of equal widthand of a similar design concept, as depicted in FIG. 1. However, theelastic webbing sections (11, 12, 13) can have different widths and bearranged under the same disposition as depicted in FIG. 1, therebyfurnishing the elastic webbing 10 with additional varied aestheticeffects.

The connecting threads 20 are fabricated from non-elastic thread, andpreferred choice of material for the connecting threads 20 is nylon orpolyester. A left and right alternating joining stitch is adopted tostitch the connecting threads 20. Spacing between needle points 21,closeness and number of layers or length of exposed stitch sections 22depend on application needs and are not limited to specific values.

The nylon thread, polyester thread or thread of other various materialshaving analogous properties are sewn so as to expose the stitch sections22 on the surface of the elastic webbing sections (11, 12, 13), thus,the stitch sections 22 are not inseparably close-fitting to the elasticwebbing sections (11, 12, 13). Air gaps of certain extent are providedbetween the stitch sections 22 and surface of the elastic webbingsections (11, 12, 13), thereby furnishing the elastic webbing 10 withsuperior breathability when in a state prior to stretching, which isdifferent from a conventional elastic webbing or an elastic webbingstitched using elastic thread that only achieve breathability when in astretched state. When each of the elastic webbing sections (11, 12, 13)are stitched together to form an integral body, the stitch sections 22of the connecting threads 20 are completely exposed on the surface ofthe elastic webbing sections (11, 12, 13), thereby adding an aestheticeffect similar to the appearance of lace, and ultimately achieving anelastic webbing having new functionality. Moreover, if the connectingthreads 20 were fabricated from elastic material, then they would besunk into the plane of the main body of the elastic webbing sections(11. 12, 13) when stitched thereinto, and thus not providebreathability.

Referring to FIG. 2, which shows an embodiment of the elastic webbing 10comprising four strips of elastic webbing sections (11, 12, 13, 14) ofequal width and thickness. The connecting threads 20 do not have elasticproperties, and are stitched between each pair of the elastic webbingsections (11, 12, 13). Stitch separation adopted can have a relativelywide distance of X, and each of the distances X can be the same. Anotherrow of stitches can have stitches separated at a narrower distance of Y.Hence, distance Y can be different from distance X. In addition, usingthe same design concept, the elastic webbing sections (11, 12, 13) ofmutually different widths can be structurally arranged as depicted inFIG. 3, wherein width of the elastic webbing section 11 is m, and widthof the elastic webbing section 12 is n, thereby furnishing the elasticwebbing 10 with additional varied aesthetic effects after fabricationfrom the elastic webbing sections (11, 12, 13).

Furthermore, thickness, width or closeness of each of the elasticwebbing sections (11, 12, 13) used in fabricating the elastic webbing 10are not limited to certain values. Moreover, nylon or polyester materialcan be Weaved into a variety of patterns or logos on the surface of theelastic webbing 10 using embroidery techniques to form a woven patterneffect.

Referring to FIG. 4, the structural characteristics of the elasticwebbing 10 of the present invention make it applicable for use on a cap30, wherein the elastic webbing 10 is stitched to an inner circumferenceof the cap 30, and functions as a sweatband. Furthermore, the elasticwebbing 10 provides functionality to automatically adjust cap sizewhenever necessary.

Referring to FIG. 5, which shows another use of the embodiment of thepresent invention, wherein the elastic webbing 10 is stitched to aninner circumference of a cap 31. A rear end of the cap 31 has a sectioncut out, and a different fabric 14, the original elastic webbingmaterial or a fastener is stitched to the cut-out section. The elasticwebbing 10 is similarly provided with sweat absorption functionality ofa sweatband.

Referring to FIG. 6, which shows the embodiment of the present inventionincorporated in a tennis cap 33, wherein the elastic webbing 10 isfabricated from a plurality of the elastic webbing sections (11, 12, 13)stitched together with the connecting threads 20. The stitch sections 22of the connecting threads 20 are completely exposed on the surfaces ofthe elastic webbing sections (11, 12, 13), thereby forming a pattern onthe cap 33 product that adds aesthetic appeal. Furthermore, the elasticwebbing 10 provides superior breathability when wearing on the body. Arear section of the cap 33 is complemented with an elastic webbing 15 ofdifferent texture and pattern design, thereby furnishing the cap 33 withgreater elegance and uniqueness.

Referring to FIG. 7, which shows an exterior view of the embodiment ofthe present invention incorporated in another style of hat 34, whereinthe elastic webbing 10 is stitched between a main body 35 of the cap 34and a brim 36 of the hat 34, thereby enabling a semblance of the elasticwebbing 10 to present a lace-type style rendering different gradationsof the elastic webbing sections (11, 12, 13) and high breathableconnecting threads 20, thereby achieving effectiveness of breathabilityand non-stuffiness when wearing the hat 34, and providing a stylish hatthat is out of the ordinary.

The present invention not only improves upon the shortcomings in poorbreathability of prior art elastic webbings, but also adds a decorativeeffect when incorporated in a headband, hat or clothing, thereby greatlyincreasing practicability. Moreover, the elastic webbing of the presentinvention is applicable for use in various types of hat and headbandproducts, and thus of practical value.

It is of course to be understood that the embodiments described hereinare merely illustrative of the principles of the invention and that awide variety of modifications thereto may be effected by persons skilledin the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventionas set forth in the following claims.

1. A high-breathability lace-type elastic webbing, comprising aplurality of elastic webbing sections and connecting threads sewnbetween the elastic webbing sections, and characterized in that: theelastic webbing sections are of equal or unequal widths, and are sewntogether using the connecting threads having non-elastic properties;when the non-elastic stretchability connecting threads are used to sewtogether the elastic webbing sections, stitch sections of the stitchedconnecting threads are completely exposed on the surface of the elasticwebbing sections, thereby providing high-breathability functionality andadding an aesthetic lace-type effect.
 2. The high-breathabilitylace-type elastic webbing according to claim 1, wherein the connectingthreads are nylon threads.
 3. The high-breathability lace-type elasticwebbing according to claim 1, wherein the connecting threads arepolyester threads.
 4. The high-breathability lace-type elastic webbingaccording to claim 1, wherein when the connecting threads are used tosew together each of the elastic webbing sections to form an integralbody, stitch separation adopted is of relatively wide distance X, andeach of the distances X are the same.
 5. The high-breathabilitylace-type elastic webbing according to claim 4, wherein when theconnecting threads are used to sew together each of the elastic webbingsections to form an integral body, stitch separation adopted is ofrelatively narrow distance Y, and each of the distances Y are differentfrom the distances X.
 6. The high-breathability lace-type elasticwebbing according to claim 1, wherein thickness, width or closeness ofeach layer of the elastic webbing sections are not limited to specificvalues, moreover, nylon or polyester material can be weaved into avariety of patterns or logos on the surface of the elastic webbing usingembroidery techniques to form a woven silk effect.